Over the next few days, Vermont is expected to encounter some extremely hot temperatures and increased humidity. Vermonters can take some commonsense steps to avoid heat-related illness and help conserve energy at a time of potentially record demand.

AVOIDING HEAT RELATED ILLNESS

The Vermont Department of Health recommends the following steps:

Drink More Fluids – Regardless of your activity level, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

NEVER leave any children, pets or adults in a parked vehicle.

Check on High-risk Family, Friends & Neighbors –Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others—infants, young children, people age 65 and over, people who have a mental illness, and people with health conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay Indoors – If possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, you can go to a shopping mall, grocery store or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Electric Fans May Provide Comfort – But when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, swimming or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

I’ve also asked Vermont Emergency Management to closely monitor all heat-related issues and to be prepared to respond with State assets if necessary.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Vermont’s electric utilities report that they do not anticipate difficulties meeting the increased demand on the state’s energy resources, but my administration will continue to monitor this situation very closely.

Summer in Vermont is an excellent time to renew our commitments to energy efficiency and conservation practices that will reduce energy demand and lower our electric bills. By observing even one of these tips provided by the Department of Public Service, consumers will help reduce their bills and aid the state in its energy usage.

Reduce air conditioning usage – by raising the temperature setting on air conditioner units to a level that is comfortable, but not dramatically cold, can still make one’s home or workplace livable, while saving energy. Comfortable settings range between 74 and 78 degrees. Even 2 degrees can make a difference in energy consumption.

Lights out – lighting can account for as much as 30% of energy usage. By turning unused or unnecessary lights out, the savings are instantaneous.

Run Appliances “Off Peak” – by using washers and other non-essential appliances after 8 PM at night, consumers can reduce the state’s energy demand.

Drapery and shades – use window coverings on southern exposed window in buildings, and during the day, to reduce the amount of heat that enters and is trapped inside.

Summer is an enjoyable season for Vermonters and our guests. By embracing even one of these suggestions, we can enjoy the summer knowing we helped cut energy consumption and costs at the same time.